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Advancing Maritime Research and Innovation
Sustainable, Safe, and Smart Maritime Solutions
At the forefront of maritime safety and technology, we combine world-class research and innovative design to shape the future of the marine industry. Our team at the Maritime Safety Research Centre works tirelessly to develop solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability at sea. Explore how we are transforming maritime practices with groundbreaking technologies.
About ILifebuoy
Leading Maritime Innovation for a Safer, Sustainable Future
Our work spaces is Multinational Educational Center. Marine PV Technologies is a recently created spin-off company by the team behind the MEC – a training and innovation think tank. The purpose of Marine PV, and its dedicated team, is to drive the development, market penetration and commercialisation of its flagship product – iLifebuoy. The wider MEC team has a long history of innovation, including 3 other spin-off companies, 2 of which have already taken part in the SME Instrument Phase 1 and are preparing to launch their products. A dedicated team of 6 is currently working on commercialisation of our iLifebuoy product. Our core team has in-depth knowledge and experience in all areas critical to successfully launching the iLifebuoy: corporate & finance strategy, market & price-setting consulting, marketing & advertising, production & logistics optimisation, engineering and robotics.
The objective of our business project is to help save human lives by entering the aquatic lifesaving equipment market for lifebuoys. The recent growth of the shipping and leisure sailing (wider seafaring) industry has in turn increased the risks and number of Man Overboard (MOB) situations leading to drowning at sea and rivers. Expected product – ‘iLifebuoy’ is an autonomous robotized lifebuoy that eliminates the challenges associated with the traditional life saving devices. Like the St. Bernard dogs, iLifebuoy autonomously finds & reaches the person and provides them first support. The novelty – it is not a remote-controlled lifebuoy- it is a collaborative robot. iLifebuoy is a fully autonomous tracer, but it receives (video) input from a human. It uses three different built-in sensors (audio, video and sonar) to pin-point the location of MOB in water, then activates a powerful water jet propulsion to reach and provide support to the MOB within less than a minute! iLifebuoy further sends a MAYDAY signal to channel 16 and emits the GPS coordinates of the MOB. The advantages over all competitors – iLifebuoy saves crucial time in a MOB situation since A) it does not require a qualified lifeguard to be around – the first person who identifies the MOB can directly deploy the iLifebuoy in the water; B) it effectively eliminates the need for lifeguards to enter the water and reach the person in distress. Additionally, iLifebuoy is more cost effective than any competing solutions and outperforms them on key user criteria (full competitive assessment included).
- Global Leadership in Maritime Research
- Committed to Safety and Sustainability
- Collaborative Approach
- Expert Team and World-Class Facilities
- Shaping the Future of Autonomous Maritime Technology
List of Participants
Participant No. | Participant Organisation Name | Country | Acronym |
1 (Coordinator) | A.P. & A Limited | Greece | APA |
2 | Marine PV Technologies | UK | MPV |
3 | University of Strathclyde | UK | STR |
4 | SCA Development Ltd. | Bulgaria | SCAD |
5 | SCONSET Ltd | Bulgaria | SCO |
Hardware-Software Integration
Our focus is on developing robust interfaces between hardware and software, ensuring smooth communication and optimal performance in maritime safety systems.
Prototypes & Algorithm Design
We create cutting-edge prototypes and algorithms to optimize maneuvering, power systems, and navigation, ensuring reliable and scalable solutions for maritime use cases.
Design Refinement & Validation
We refine designs through small-scale validations using autonomous ship models, ensuring safety and functionality before large-scale deployment.
Recommendations for Enhanced Safety
Our team offers expert recommendations to stakeholders, focusing on improving safety protocols and aligning the ALIVE system with evolving industry standards
Our Research & Development Journey
Driving Innovation Through Research & Development
At the heart of the ALIVE project, our Work Packages (WPs) drive innovation and excellence. Each WP focuses on distinct aspects of our solution, from defining architectures to developing hardware and software, ensuring we meet industry standards. This strategic, structured approach allows us to refine the product through research, prototyping, and validation, ensuring a smooth journey toward commercialization.
ALive System Integration
Summary
Successfully developed a reference architecture and integration plan for the ALIVE system, focusing on robust design for both hardware and software systems.
Prototype Testing
Summary
Conducted extensive testing of hardware components, ensuring seamless integration with ALIVE’s software. Developed prototype models for real-world validation.
Autonomous Functionality
Summary
Developed cutting-edge software and algorithms for ALIVE, focusing on navigation, power systems, and autonomous maneuvering, ensuring a flawless user experience.
Hear from those who have experienced the excellence of our services.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients trust us for providing exceptional solutions that meet their needs and exceed expectations. But don’t just take our word for it – read what some of our satisfied clients have to say about working with us.
Excellence
Our Commitment to Excellence in Maritime Safety
The previous project evolved the technology from TRL2 to TRL4, confirmed the viability of key use cases and applications, defined a high level design that can be protected by a patent, and crystalised clear customer segments and needs (market appetite). Overall, it demonstrated the technological and commercial feasibility of the innovation, as well as a detailed feasibility study. We confirmed the integration and operations of basic technological components in a lab environment, akin to a ‘pre-prototype’, patented the technology and completed a freedom to operate (FTO) analysis.
The results of the previous project are the direct inputs for the present proposal, providing clarity of the technical and commercial challenges to be addressed to effectively reach an operational prototype at TRL6. The Patent secured and FTO analysis completed as part of the previous project removed the most significant risk and barrier to entry (respectively) for ALIVE, thus enabling faster development and route-to-market as part of the present proposal. We conducted an “IP Audit report” funded by InnovateUK, which ALIVE’s novelty and patentability. WIPO provided ALIVE with a positive IPRP (International Preliminary Patent Report). The commercial Feasibility of the previous project prioritised the two key customer segments (and use cases / ALIVE variants) that will be the focus of the present proposal; and demonstrated considerable market demand & appetite to de-risk investment & future developments of ALIVE. The current project aims to build on this progress by further developing the technology so prototypes for two use-cases are designed, tested and demonstrated in relevant environments, preparing the route-to-market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to common queries about ALIVE’s groundbreaking maritime solutions. From project goals to technical innovations, explore how we’re advancing autonomous marine technology.
ALIVE is an innovative research project focused on creating advanced autonomous maritime solutions. The project explores new technologies in areas such as autonomous navigation, power systems, and marine robotics to revolutionize the maritime industry.
ALIVE brings together leading experts and organizations, including the University of Strathclyde, Maritime Safety Research Centre (MSRC), and various other prominent industry leaders focused on developing and implementing autonomous systems for maritime operations.
Safety is a priority for ALIVE. The project includes extensive research into risk management, safety protocols, and compliance with maritime safety regulations. The technology undergoes rigorous testing, simulation, and validation at various scales to ensure it meets the highest safety standards.
The primary goals of ALIVE are to develop autonomous maritime systems that can perform complex navigation tasks, optimize power usage, improve operational efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. The project aims to pave the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable maritime operations.
Yes! The technologies being developed under ALIVE are designed to be scalable and adaptable to real-world applications, from autonomous ships to energy-efficient maritime operations. The project aims to bring these innovations into the commercial maritime sector.
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Impact
The path to market of the innovation beyond the duration of the project
MPV & APA will spin off a joint venture / partnership with equal ownership (‘AliveCo’), with the sole objective of taking ALIVE to market. Parts of the core team involved in the project will initially lead AliveCo on a part time basis and later transition to full time. Both parties will invest resources either through securing further funding (described below) or committing own funds to both develop ALIVE beyond TRL6 and take it to market. AliveCo will be incorporated in an EU market determined by: a) proximity to the largest number and size of prospective customers (both cruise & ferry operators and coastal infrastructure buyer); b) considerations identified as part of the statutory approvals roadmap work; c) existing and future IPR protection and freedom to operate; d) minimising supply chain costs
Contact Information
Do You Have Any Question?
At ALIVE, we are committed to providing you with all the information you need. If you have any inquiries regarding our project, technology, or any specific details, feel free to reach out to us.
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